Maybelline to be part of Lupus awareness event

By Antoinette Alexander

LOS ANGELES Maybelline New York and the Lupus Foundation of America, in association with the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation are planning to host the first annual Butterflies Over Hollywood event to raise awareness and funds for lupus.

Lupus is an immune disorder that can damage every organ, and each year thousands die from its complications. The foundation estimates that 1.5 million to 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. More than 90 percent of those with lupus are women, and currently there is no cure for the disease.

The event will be held at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 29. Hosting the event will be Malcom-Jamal Warner of “The Cosby Show,” and supermodel Tomiko Fraser, who also created the soiree. Fraser, who is in her eighth year as the face of Maybelline New York, also serves as a national spokesperson for the LFA in support of her sister, who suffers from lupus.

“I created this event out of the love for my sister. I also created this event because I feel there needs to be more awareness for lupus, and I hope that by joining forces with Hollywood, we can shed some light on a disease that affects millions,” stated Fraser.

For the event, the El Rey Theatre will be transformed into a Cotton Club-themed night of glamour with live performances, signature cocktails and more